The media of that time depicted queues of youths outside army recruiting offices keen to do their patriotic duty. It was as if everyone wanted to have a chance to get at the enemy and do their bit for King and Country. Admittedly, some people from deprived backgrounds were only too pleased to get into the forces and receive free food, clothing and an income. Some people, from all levels of society, readily aspire to patriotic furore and believe what they are told and rally around the flag at any opportune moment. The reality was very different. In 1939, prior to declaration of war, conscription was introduced. Even at that time, it would have been the height of stupidity to believe the propaganda newsreels showing delighted citizens enlisting into the services. Such films obviously failed to state the truth, if they did hardly anyone would have been prepared to sign their life away. A front line infantryman faced death and unexplainable horrors on a daily basis and had a very slim chance of survival. Many realised what they were about to face, including my Father. They also disbelieved the government hype, and realised if they returned from the front badly injured or totally disabled, they faced a life of abject poverty. Governments in the past could not care less about war casualties; there was every possibility future governments would have the same attitude! Some believed politicians were only interested in looking after their own interests such as business and the affluent minority. It is easily overlooked that in all countries at war (friend and foe at that time), a fair percentage of conscripts had almost identical antiwar views but were also forced to keep such feelings to themselves and bravely carry out the duties they were called upon to do, many seeing excessive front line action.
|
|
Admittedly, the thought of Britain being overrun by German totalitarianism would have been horrendous. With the outbreak of war, there was little option but to defend and fight. What happened pre-war though is somewhat debatable, there was every possibility the conflict could have been avoided. Not all Germans were goose stepping sycophants. To believe they were would be on a par to thinking everyone supports the same political party. In 1933, the entire German nation didn't suddenly wake up one morning and think "lets all become evil and start a world war in 1939!"
|
|
I believe the basics of aggression towards another country fundamentally lay with (regardless of nationality) ourselves, our system of education and how we are conditioned to be part of "The Wolf-Pack". If everyone had consideration for their fellow humans, war and discrimination would be non-existent. Admittedly this is a utopian and simplistic dream, but I believe it is a positive ideal that should be aimed for, and can only be achieved if we endeavour to understand ourselves, question and strive for the truth and not necessarily follow the crowd!
|
CONTINUED
|
|
